Open Campus Start-up program
My Open Campus Acceptance
When I first applied to the Open Economy Open Campus Accelerator, I honestly didn’t think I’d be accepted. This particular program usually spotlight software startups sleek platforms, AI products, Web3, B2B solutions DEFINITELY NOT a multi-acre creative hub and film soundstage in Jamaica. For a good couple weeks, I almost didn’t apply.
Not until I started communicating with their team via DMs then I thought what's the worst that could happen?
I could get rejected..
So… Life isn’t Daisies and Rainbows for a lot of us in the real world rejection is constant. It is what you do after you get rejected, what lessons you learn from it and how you pivot from that rejection is what really matters in life.
On September 1st, after 10:30 p.m., I got a DM, then email: I was accepted. The program had already begun by this point. Up until that moment, I had convinced myself they didn’t like my project or want me there. But by Wednesday morning, I was already on a flight, rushing to make it halfway across the world. More than 22 hours of travel later with a layover in Hong Kong, I arrived in Malaysia on Thursday night. Jet lagged beyond belief but so deeply grateful and fortunate to be invited. By Friday morning, I was already in the office, Ipad and laptop in hand, ready to dive in.
This is my third time in Malaysia, but this trip feels different. Four years ago, when I first lived in South East Asia, I learned Bahasa (Indonesian which is a lot similar to Malay Bahasa, the language used in Malaysia). Coming back has been both nostalgic and surreal. But it is true what they say: if you don’t use it, you lose it. While I still understand a lot, I’ve had to refresh my memory every day, stumbling and struggling over words I once knew fluently.
The Open Economy team has been nothing short of incredible. From the moment I arrived, they’ve been resourceful, kind, and inspiring welcoming me into a community of ambitious founders already deep into their journeys. The accelerator runs for four weeks, and we’re already halfway through. Between the presentations, workshops, and weekly check-ins, I’ve learned so much not only about how to sharpen my pitch and structure my company but also about how to dream bigger with more clarity and conviction.
The office itself feels like something out of a dream: a plush, secure corporate tower with 24-hour access and security, film crews documenting our progress, and a floor filled with founders who never stop building. Every detail makes you feel like you belong here, like your vision deserves the same stage as the world’s best.
Why The Complex Matters
So why am I here? Because The Complex isn’t just another project. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Jamaica and the Caribbean’s creative economy.
The Complex will be the region’s first multi-acre creative campus and professional film soundstage featuring recording studios, co-working and content spaces, wellness facilities, live event venues. Then even more additions like a Library, an Art Museum (lol and even more) It’s designed to level the playing field so Caribbean creatives don’t have to migrate abroad to access world-class infrastructure.
Since announcing, we’ve gained over 395K organic impressions, with viral support from across Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the diaspora. Lawyers, engineers, producers, marketers, and artists have reached out not just to cheer us on, but to join in building. We’ve also attracted early brand interest from a couple major companies and secured a partnership with Caribbean Film Fest.
Soundstage rentals alone typically generate Millions in USD annually in markets like the U.S. and U.K., but the Caribbean brings a competitive edge: lower production costs, unmatched landscapes, and a global brand already built on our culture. The Complex is about anchoring that opportunity at home.
Out of the Box: Fundraising with Creativity
The hardest part of launching a company is always raising funds. But the best part of being a creative entrepreneur is finding fun out-of-the-box ways to do it.
That’s why this December, we’re hosting our first-ever Caribbean Creative Gala in NYC. A night celebrating Caribbean talent in music, film, fashion, and art, while rallying support for The Complex. It will feature a red carpet, live performances, a film showcase, Fashion show and honors for creatives shaping our culture.
And this November, we’re hosting a themed Day Party in Jamaica because awareness, like culture itself, should be celebrated loudly.
Tickets are already on presale available directly through our website, or through our Artizen Fundraiser, where every purchase comes with added perks and unlocks matching grant support, doubling the impact.
Looking Ahead
Being here in Malaysia has reminded me of something simple but powerful: ideas are global, but impact is local.
The Complex is deeply personal to me. I grew up in Kingston, and I’ve seen first-hand how many brilliant creatives are forced to leave in order to thrive. (Myself included)
With your support, we can change that.
This is more than a hub. It’s ownership, access, and legacy. It’s building something that says to the world: Caribbean talent deserves world-class infrastructure at home, not just abroad. And we most definitely have the ability to go global from home because our culture is not only powerful, it’s extremely impactful!
Again… I’m just getting started. And my superpower is being persistent and going for the moon when I have dreams and goals. Because even if I miss… I’ma grab some stars with me along the way.
Till next time… xoxo
-Kim 